During the breeding season, Little Curlews prefer dry, open tundra and subarctic grasslands, often near water bodies. During migration and in wintering grounds, they are found in various open habitats including steppes, cultivated fields, short-grass pastures, saltmarshes, and even some coastal mudflats or beaches. Look for them in areas with low vegetation, where they forage for insects.

Spotting Little Curlews can be challenging due to their cryptic plumage which provides excellent camouflage against dry grasses and soil. Listen for their soft, trilling 'cher-reer' or 'tew-tew-tew' calls, especially when flushed or in flight. They typically forage by walking steadily, probing the ground with their short, curved bill. They often associate with other waders and can be seen in large, cohesive flocks during migration.

They are most active during daylight hours, foraging throughout the day. The breeding season occurs during the Arctic summer (June-July). Peak migration periods are typically late August to September/October for southbound migration and April-May for northbound migration, when they can be observed in various stopover sites across Asia and into Australasia.